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Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Get the long box. My last three trucks had the intemediate box and now I am driving a long box. I MUCH prefer the added space of the long box dually and really have no trouble driving in parking lots or anywhere else. (It is just more expensive when you have blowouts https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif )
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Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Make sure to get a late 2004 or newer. In mid year they went to the LLY coded diesel.
Check out this link for what was changed: http://www.thedieselpage.com/duramax/lly2004.htm |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Chuck,
I am a big fan of the Chevy/ GMC Duramax trucks. I have a 2005 crew cab / short bed. All the different Duramax engines have their own little quirks / issues. I would recommend finding a truck in your price range and then visiting one of the Diesel Forums. I hang out at http://www.dieselplace.com they have a tremendous amount of information on all the Duramax engines with the known strengths and issues. There is even a section where someone will pull the build sheet and service record for your truck. I can't comment on the mileage as my truck is not "stock" anymore but before the performance upgrades I was getting 20+ mpg. Let me know if you need any more information. Nils |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
[ QUOTE ]
Evidently no one on this web site (being G.M. muscle car owners) is a fan of the Dodge/Cummins with 6 speed stick. [/ QUOTE ] The Cummins/manual trans setup is a dandy...but, a Dodge and a GM are *totally* different trucks...whereas the look/feel of the Dodge let you know you're in a truck, the GM models are more SUV or car-like. The Cummins is a good piece, but they've had some tranny & rear problems in the past...but *all* of the makes have their issues. Question: are you *dead set* on going diesel? you mention it will sit a lot, which ain't good for any vehicle, but is a little trickier for a diesel... As for what to look for, here's some highs/lows of the Dmax: '01-'04: LB7 Dmax engine, '01s had water pump & head gasket problems, got that sorted out by '02, but then the ever popular injector problems popped up & GM extended the warranty on the LB7s to 7yrs/200k miles (roughly a 10-12 hour job & +/- $2,500 to replace injectors assuming you do it yourself, injectors are beneath valve covers so they're a booger to change) '04.5-'06: LLY Dmax, got variable vein turbo & better injector design (moved them out from under valve covers) but the newer design injectors have been known to hang open and crack/burn pistons...also, something in the rad stack got changed and they're prone to be overheaters (can be cured for $1,000)...in '06 the Allison became a 6-speed As for proof of maintenance, not a lot to tell, as most of the Dmax related problems aren't maintenance related, but design related...and unfortunately, as is true with most diesels, when something fails, it's usually REALLY expensive! Complexity has it's costs...!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
[ QUOTE ]
(roughly a 10-12 hour job & +/- $2,500 to replace injectors assuming you do it yourself, injectors are beneath valve covers so they're a booger to change) [/ QUOTE ] And you can double that (or more) if you take it to the dealer! |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/795200212.html
Rob, This above Duramax is in Portland, OR Seller bought this truck from Original (old man) in Florida at 50K miles and pulled a loaded trailer out to West Coast..truck now has 56K miles Here's his story !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "Hi Chuck, I towed a 40' 2 car hauler from Ga. loaded with 2 cargo trailers a 20' and a 16' had motorcycles in one and misc. in the other a total weight of 11,200. Tow rating for this truck is 12,950. Pulled with ease, no problems. I averaged 14 to16 mpg towing (he made side trip to N.C. before picking up trailers in GA) and 22 to 25mpg truck only, this truck has never been abused, not used as a work truck and was stored inside when not in use" I still would like long bed, but probably could live with short................ |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
The *2* in the 8th VIN position denotes it's an LLY ('04.5)...not a bad price, but being as it's a 2wd with the cloth bench non-Bose/XM setup, there's a fair amount of wiggle room down for sure...thing looks as sharp as a 2 headed tack, though!
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Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Chuck.......I have a Non-Dually crew cab 2006 LBZ DuraMax/Allison completely "Stock"......I just came back from Towing my 24' enclosed trailer from Gettsyburg, Pa.....720 miles each way.......averaged 12.7 mpg running between 65 and 70 mph (When the truck was New I did the same trip and got 9.8....29,000 miles on it now)......GM did a heck of a job on this combo.....with the extended wheelbase, I didn't know that there was a trailer back there........No Comparison between Gas and Diesel......Done it both ways and the Diesel wins hands down..........
Ken |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Chuck: being as you are wanting a long bed anyway, you should take a look at the 3500 trucks...there are some SERIOUS STEALS on them right now, and they'll all be long bed, with either a single or dual wheels.
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Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Thanks EVERYONE, I'm a terrible procratinator and dont want to regret this next purchase. I'm starting my 4 day heavy work schedule this evening, so will give ya'll a break.
I just dont know where to set my budget at, what I need and what I want, yada, yada.......... Best regards from Seattle |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
[ QUOTE ]
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/795200212.html Rob, This above Duramax is in Portland, OR Seller bought this truck from Original (old man) in Florida at 50K miles and pulled a loaded trailer out to West Coast..truck now has 56K miles Here's his story !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "Hi Chuck, I towed a 40' 2 car hauler from Ga. loaded with 2 cargo trailers a 20' and a 16' had motorcycles in one and misc. in the other a total weight of 11,200. Tow rating for this truck is 12,950. Pulled with ease, no problems. I averaged 14 to16 mpg towing (he made side trip to N.C. before picking up trailers in GA) and 22 to 25mpg truck only, this truck has never been abused, not used as a work truck and was stored inside when not in use" I still would like long bed, but probably could live with short................ [/ QUOTE ] I have a 2005 Duramax Crew Cab shortbox and I dont get near the mileage that guy gets. He must only drive 55-60 on the freeway. I get 15-17 around town and 17-18 on the highway at 75 mph. I hear all thes4e stories about great fuel mileage and all I have seen since I bought this thing new was maybe that I am getting 2 mile per gallon better than a gas truck! It pulls great, but I dont pull alot of stuff. I must have a lemon. Maybe I should letter up my truck https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Yeah, that kinda mileage out of an LLY is a *bit* of a stretch...maybe he's using that "new math", though?! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif
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Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Maybe he's driving downhill both ways? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif
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Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
well, I have a LLY with just over 9,000 miles on it and I get 19.3 empty on the highway and 12.2 pulling a 24' enclosed @ 65 to 68 MPH. and I do get a little over 18 around town and highway mixed.
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Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
My 2005 lly would get 20 consistently unloaded and got as high as 24 on the highway so mileage does vary from truck to truck, driver to driver.
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Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
A couple of things re: mileage
-Rear end ratios - there are basically 2 available on 2500 & 3500 GMs - 3.73 and 4.10. Most Duramax's have the 3.73, most 8.1s have (err...had) the 4.10. Check dieselplace.com - they've got a list of all the axle codes and their ratios. -4WD - the 4x4 versions get 1-2 mpg less, even when running in 2WD mode. That front differential still has to turn, even when it's in neutral. Plus, 4x4s have more stuff to break. Unless you need 4x4 (planning on going off road, live in a blizzard zone, etc.), get a 2WD. 2WDs generally have less resale value, so if you're looking used that's a plus. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Plus, take another 1-2 off for duallies. Plus the 1-tons typically had the 4.1's. It all adds up, plus I don't think Rob has a level piece of ground around until he hits the interstate!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/blush.gif
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Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
[ QUOTE ]
A couple of things re: mileage -Rear end ratios - there are basically 2 available on 2500 & 3500 GMs - 3.73 and 4.10. Most Duramax's have the 3.73, most 8.1s have (err...had) the 4.10. Check dieselplace.com - they've got a list of all the axle codes and their ratios. -4WD - the 4x4 versions get 1-2 mpg less, even when running in 2WD mode. That front differential still has to turn, even when it's in neutral. Plus, 4x4s have more stuff to break. Unless you need 4x4 (planning on going off road, live in a blizzard zone, etc.), get a 2WD. 2WDs generally have less resale value, so if you're looking used that's a plus [/ QUOTE ] From GM, you can *only* get a 3.73 in a Duramax...no choice...on the 8.1L, 3.73 or 4.10 (both of ours are 3.73). As for the 4x4, if you *never* get off of concrete/asphalt or never see ice/snow, you'll be fine with a 2wd...but I'm here to tell ya, you can get in a pinch EASILY with a trailer in tow...been there, done that. A certain snow covered parking lot in Nebraska comes to mind... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/tongue.gif |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
[ QUOTE ]
As for the 4x4, if you *never* get off of concrete/asphalt or never see ice/snow, you'll be fine with a 2wd...but I'm here to tell ya, you can get in a pinch EASILY with a trailer in tow...been there, done that. [/ QUOTE ] Gas, Diesel, propane, steam powered............ doesn't matter. If you're pulling a trailer and think you might EVER get off pavement,....get the 4WD. I would gladly drive a 2WD truck as my daily driver, but I do tow my trailer a few times a year and HAVE used the 4WD more times than I care to remember. So,.... since I don't have the option of multiple trucks,... 4WD it is. |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
I agree that a Diesel is the way to go for ultimate towing. When I bought My Yukon XL2500 in 03, there were no diesel options for the Suburban style Chev/GMC. I considered a Ford Excursion,because they offered a diesel. I chose the Yukon because it offered 4 wheel steering and beacause 90% of my driving is non towing and having tp park in conventional spots. My wife did not want to wrestle a 3/4 ton P/U around as well.
I just returned from a 6000 mile trip towing a 24 ft Well Cargo. After over 60 hous behind the wheel there was probably only 2 hours cumulative driving where I wished I had the grunt of a diesel. These were generally crossing mountain passes. For those instances I was down to 45-50 MPH and keeping the revs at 3000 -3300. On the flat and modest grades the truck with 6.0 gas engine and the 480LE trans cruises nicely without a hint of 8000 Lbs out behind. I got 11 MPG on average for the trip. If I had towing requirements more that 1 week a year I would switch to a diesel, for now the 4 wheel steering is the option that makes me want to keep the 03 for a while. |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Canuck: my wife has a 496 powered Sub as her daily driver...thing pulls like a mule & will FLY! She absolutely loves the thing...can't get her out of it for another rig (unless it's my truck!), 'cause I've been trying for a couple years. Also, it actually gets better fuel mileage than my 496 2500HD...both have 3.73s, but I'm guessing her 4L85E trans is more efficient than my Allison and her Sub is a bit more aerodynamic...if we can ever get to good road, she can knock down mid-teens...
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Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
1999 Ford F250 2WD SuperCab Super Duty 7.3L V8 Diesel
111,000 Engine: V8 7.3L Turbo Diesel Transmission: 6 Speed Manual Drivetrain: 2WD used car dealer asking $11,000 Thanks for your insight, opinions Anybody have knowledge/expereince on this above type of vechicle............ |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Any interesting truck talk at SCR XI ......... milage, complaints, towing pros cons ????????
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Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Yeah! We made it there and back with NO flat tires!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif
From there I pulled the trailer all the way back to MN (500 miles) on two tanks of gas so I was happy. Her truck is a one ton dually with a 454 and 4:10. |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Dad used my 2500HD with the 8.1/Ally/3.73 combo to pull our 24' enclosed with a boat load of tools & the too dog-gone heavy Red Alert inside...it's all hills & curves between here & Collinsville, and he said he got right around 8mpg...just a tad below the 10mpg we get with the Dmax...would be interesting to see what these trucks would do if they ran around flatland for a few days? But, he said he might actually prefer the 496 over the Dmax (at least with the little trailer)...except for the tiny fuel tank since it's a swb...guess that 90 gallon aux tank on the Dmax has spoiled him!
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Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
I was/am attracted to a 2004 2WD Extended Cab Silverado Duramax in the state of Oregon. 36,000 miles one owner Low $20K
After seeing VIN # 8th digit indicates its a 1st generation LB7 (???) should I back away from looking ??????? |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Chuck,
Did you get the buildsheet I sent you for that truck? The build sheet shows it is an LLY Duramax. Nils |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
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Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
If the #8 digit is a "1", then it is indeed an LB7...LLY would be a "2"...but while the LB7's did indeed have injector troubles (covered by factory warranty 7yr/200k miles), they are among the most reliable of the Dmax trucks...best mileage, best pistons, no cooling issues, no cats & no egr, etc...
But with that said, that is a steep price for a 2wd extended cab LB7...you should be able to get into an LBZ with decent miles for that price, assuming you'd settle for a 2wd. |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Rob, What can be said about 2nd owner warranty ??????
and what can be said about price disparity between say the West Coast and the Mid West. What price level on NADA or KBB should a buyer be willing to pay for 1) a dealer or 2) a private party..... Seems like most of the nice trucks are at dealers as a result of being traded in........ Thanks, Chuck |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
[ QUOTE ]
What can be said about 2nd owner warranty ?????? [/ QUOTE ] I believe it would be out of warranty time-wise...so, the only warranty that LB7 will have is the 7/200 on the injectors...early owner/low miles helps, but only adds peace of mind I suppose, 'cause in the end it's still a "used" truck...same issues are gonna get it as the 200k mile 12 owner truck around the corner...and the injector issues have no correlation with service upkeep at all. As for price, west coast folks seem to want a premium right now...Florida & Texas are *great* places to buy trucks, as there are bunches in both states, and folks come for the winter but leave for the summer & often times leave vehicles behind. As for pricing between dealer/private party, you can almost always save money buying it from an individual...the crappy economy has really hurt HD truck owners, and a lot of them are bailing right now...the current downturn in the price of fuel is helping them a *tad*, but trucks are still flooding the market. Just my $.02... |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Just a quick look shows...
'07 LBZ, regular cab long bed 4x4, 30k miles, $21,000 '06 LBZ, ex. cab long bed 4x4, 128k miles, $20,000 |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
I've been jonesing for a d-max for a good while now, but it looks like I'm keeping my old '99 crew/dually/2x4/454/4L80. Anyone know of a conversion to put a cummins in a Chevy?
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Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
[ QUOTE ]
Anyone know of a conversion to put a cummins in a Chevy? [/ QUOTE ] Actually, "yes"...there was a small blurb in my last "Diesel Power" about a company building a drop-in Cummins conversion cradle for the '89-'00 Chevy trucks...several different mounting height/options...looked pretty cool. You can drop one of those manual ip 5.9's in just about anything now...! |
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